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   Hypoglycemia and diabetes      

 Chronic complications of diabetes      Diet and diabetes

        Diabetes supplements        Diabetes herbs

Other alternative therapies     Conventional diabetes treatments

Hypoglycemia and diabetes

Acute

1)Hypoglycemia (dropping blood sugar levels) occurs due to delay or decrease in food intake, vigorous physical activity, alcohol consumption, diabetes medications or excessive insulin injections. Signs of hypoglycemia include apprehension, tremors, sweating, palpitations, fatigue, headache, confusion, coma, or seizure. It may be a good idea to carry glucose tablets to prevent hypoglycemia(consult your physician first), they are readily available in any pharmacy or ask your Doctor if he/she has some in his/her office.

2) Diabetic ketoacidosis - occurs in the absence of insulin, insulin helps the body absorb glucose into cells for energy production, so, glucose levels in the blood may increase and may result in coma or death if untreated.

3) Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma (HHNKC) - in this state there is an increase in the blood glucose levels, confusion, hallucinations, seizures and coma may prevail in the individual if not treated early and the person may feel dehydrated and glucose may spill over and be detected in the urine because of high sugar levels in the blood.

Chronic complications of diabetes

1) cataracts 2) atherosclerosis 3) diabetic neuropathy - inflammation of nerve endings 4) diabetic retinopathy - inflammation of retina of the eye leading to blindness 5) diabetic nephropathy - inflammation of kidney tissues 6) skin ulcers and gangrene leading to amputations 7) Stubborn skin infections 8) High blood pressure 9) stroke 10) dental disease.
 

Diet and diabetes (consult your physician first before changing diet)

Avoid or reduce sugary foods and all fried foods. Increase dietary fiber intake. The following herbs may help as well, "methi" (Fenugreek) and "karela" (Bitter Melon).

onions and garlic

Onions (allium cepa) and garlic (allium sativum) have demonstrated blood sugar lowering action in several studies. The active principles are believed to be sulfur containing compounds that play an important role. The cardiovascular effects of garlic and onions (lowering cholesterol and blood pressure) further substantiate the value of liberal intake by diabetics.

Exercise

Diabetes Supplements

1) Chromium - may decrease fasting blood glucose levels, improve glucose tolerance and lower high insulin levels.

2) Vitamin C - since the transport of vitamin C into the cells is facilitated by insulin, many diabetics may not have enough intracellular vitamin C. A chronic latent vitamin C deficiency may lead to a number of problems for the diabetic.

3) Vitamin B6 - may offer protection against diabetic neuropathy.

4) Vitamin E - not only may it improve insulin action, but it may also exert a number of beneficial effects that may aid in preventing the long-term complications of diabetes.

5) Magnesium - magnesium deficiency is common in diabetics. Magnesium may prevent

some of the complications of diabetes such as retinopathy(inflammation of the retina of the eye that can lead to blindness) and heart disease. The best dietary sources of magnesium are tofu, legumes, seeds, nuts, whole grains and green leafy vegetables.

6) Zinc - may have a protective effect against beta cell destruction. Diabetics typically may excrete excessive amounts of zinc in the urine, therefore may require supplementation.

7) Essential fatty acids - sources are borage oil, evening primrose oil, black currant oil  and GLA (Gamma linolenic acid) may be helpful for all those suffering from diabetic neuritis(inflammation of a nerve).

8) Omega-3 fatty acids - found in fish oil or flaxseed oil may help regulate insulin activity, normalizing blood glucose. It may also help to control LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, thus protecting the heart. An Australian researcher Leonard storlien discovered that people with low omega-3 levels were most likely to be both insulin resistant and obese.

Diabetes herbs

1) One of the emerging superstars in the antidiabetic arena is Bitter Melon(Momordica Charantia). It is a tropical vegetable extensively used in India as a traditional remedy for diabetes. Oral administration of bitter melon has shown good results in clinical trials in patients with Type II diabetes. It was observed that the crude extract from bitter melon reduced the occurrence of prostate adenocarcinoma in rats and delayed the development of cataracts and other diabetic complications. Interestingly, Ayurveda practiced in India for thousands of years knew the beneficial effects of bitter melon long before western medicine.

2) Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar) - this is another plant, native to the forests of India. It is known as "gurmar" ie sugar destroyer. Recent scientific studies have shown its potential effectiveness in reducing the amount of conventional medication dosage requirements in Type II diabetes and reduction of blood glucose levels in the blood.

3) Fenugreek - also known as "methi" , fenugreek seeds consist of a soluble fiber called mucilage. It may help regulate blood sugar levels and increase HDL(good cholesterol) levels while lowering total cholesterol.

4) Green Tea - has a long history of use in India and China. The antidiabetic component in Green tea appears to be epicatechin.

Other alternative therapies

These therapies have been gaining popularity recently, they are synergistic and adjuvant therapies and include:

1) Color therapy - For diabetes the natural color, yellow, may be beneficial. It gives a lot of energy to the body and mind and may balance the biochemistry of the body. Also beneficial for intestinal disorders, pancreatic disorders and ulcers. Color therapy is  used in various other ailments as well. Our body, mind and chakras all have different colors and vibrations. Our emotions are colored too, just like our aura which is a spectrum of various colors. Our organs can be healthy if the vibration energy of a particular color is compatible with the vibration energy of a particular organ.

2) Chakras - Chakra is an ancient Sanskrit word for "wheel". It is a focal point of spiritual energy having different pathways which flow into the cells and organs of the physical body. According to ancient vedic wisdom, each of the major chakras is directly linked to different regions of the body as well as to a particular hormone producing endocrine gland and nervous system of the body. The third chakra called "manipura" is located over the pit of the stomach and is linked to the pancreas and adrenal gland. Emotional problems and stress sometimes impairs the flow of subtle energy to the pancreas. Such imbalance may contribute to abnormal functioning of the pancreas resulting in diseases such as diabetes or pancreatitis. So, this means that excessive worry and stress should be addressed immediately to control diabetes if confirmed or suspected and should be addressed anyway for general good health. We can improve and strengthen the functioning of chakras spiritually by relevant "mantra" (meditation chanting) and concentration on the pancreas gland in the case of diabetes, yogic exercise and vibrational energy treatment.

3) Acupuncture - If the energy Meridian's joining the pancreas, adrenals and liver are in imbalance, the acupuncturist will correct the energy flow to all those organs falling on that Meridian through the use of specialized needles.

4) Acupressure - The system of acupressure was developed by Indians(India) almost 3000 years ago. Acupressure means pressure over relevant points on the body to correct imbalance. Buddhist monk's adopted the Acupressure system and took it to the Far East (ie., China and Japan) where it flourished and developed into acupuncture. In the West acupressure is popularly known as reflexology.

Conventional diabetes treatments

Type 1 diabetes - regular insulin injections or insulin pumps are commonly used.

Type 2 diabetes - oral hypoglycemic(blood sugar lowering) agents are usually prescribed by physicians, however, in both types of diabetes, therapy is individualized for each person because many factors come into play in determining the right type of therapy.

"An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure". Diabetes is physically and emotionally one of the most challenging of diseases. It cripples, blinds and kills if proper care is not administered at the right time.

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